http://home.golden.net/~msavage/ootc/54ways/overview.html

Alternatively, a slimmed down version of it (35 ways) is available on JustGive.org’s website at:

http://www.justgive.org/ways/50wayshomeless.jsp

Or you can buy it from Amazon for a cent (plus shipping).

Some of the references and statistics may be a little dated, but I believe the basic ideas are still sound.

I’m sure it’s already been mentioned here, but let me throw in a plug for Freecycle.

I had the opportunity to list some usable, good quality things that we wanted to get rid of before we moved. Without going into the whole story, the crib and other baby items we gave away went to a woman whose boyfriend left her–and took all the baby stuff that he bought for the child. Some gardening equipment and chemicals went to a couple who, through their church, helped rehab houses.

I get the sense that many people, both those in need and those who help those in need, look to Freecycle for things most of us don’t know are needed. What a great way to match goods and needs.

This gives me ideas for what I could do when I am in a place that actually has beggars. My current location is out in the country enough that begging is virtually nonexistent.

Thanks for this very practical analysis of how to respond to people asking for money. This is a question I’ve never really known what to do with, but one that I’ve had to face more often now that I’m living and working in Chicago. I confess that I have often used the drug or wealthy beggar rumor as an excuse to ignore people asking for money.

I appreciate that you quickly move past the debate to offer some practical ways to connect with our fellow human beings forced to beg. I’ve haphazardly tried similar things in the past, but your list reminds me how simple it would be to offer a consistent response to the human being on the other side of the sign. I’ll do my best to take your challenge to heart.

Another thing I liked about your response is the focus on relationship, not charity. In my city, Portland, there is an attempt to get people in churches in relationship with folks on the street. This takes the focus off of, “what stuff can I give them” to “how can I best help my friend?” Hopefully, it will mean that more people realize that stuff doesn’t replace positive social interaction– which is one of the greatest needs of street folks.

Steve K

People call and want to give us donations. Some people even are desperate that we come pick up their donations, saying…”I gotta get all this stuff outta here…it’s in the way!”. The people that really get me are those that send junk in boxes to us with the prices from their garage sale still on them. Clearly, these were the things that didn’t sell.

On one hand, thanks. On the other hand, the crap mirrors people’s feelings towards those who use the services of the shelter. I am not asking only for new donations. I’m asking for a whole new way of thinking about how we care for one another.

I just want to ask these people, so eager to do something good (and easy), if they would be willing to host one of the women and her children for a week or more as she recovers from domestic violence and decides how to change the situation. That would be so much more personal, and challenging. That would be the spirit of Christmas.

Today, my supervisor was shocked when I asked a question to a potential donor who was looking for an organization through which to “give a child a present from Santa to make their holidays happier”. I simply asked her if she had checked with her neighbors’ children. She replied, “Oh, I don’t know my neighbors.” Frankly, getting stuff won’t make children happier and healthier…but knowing their neighbors care about them, will.

This is not exactly the same thing you posted about (and I greatly appreciate your post). It is the opinion of a social service worker frustrated with the conception of “help and charity” created by society and capitalism.

Each one of us CAN change the way we respond to people in need or in a crisis or stressful situation by practicing sharing kind words with EVERYONE we know and seeing ourselves connected with all people and all of the Earth.